trehalose metabolic process

Definition

Target type: biologicalprocess

The chemical reactions and pathways involving trehalose, a disaccharide that consists of two molecules of glucose and is isomeric with sucrose. [GOC:jl, ISBN:0028623819]

Trehalose metabolism is a crucial biological process that involves the synthesis and breakdown of trehalose, a non-reducing disaccharide composed of two glucose molecules linked by an α,α-1,1-glycosidic bond. This process plays a vital role in various organisms, from bacteria to mammals, and is particularly important in insects, fungi, and some plants.

**Trehalose Synthesis:**

Trehalose synthesis is catalyzed by the enzyme trehalose-6-phosphate synthase (TPS), which utilizes UDP-glucose and glucose-6-phosphate as substrates. The reaction proceeds in two steps:

1. **Formation of trehalose-6-phosphate:** TPS converts UDP-glucose and glucose-6-phosphate into trehalose-6-phosphate.
2. **Dephosphorylation of trehalose-6-phosphate:** Trehalose-6-phosphate phosphatase (TPP) removes the phosphate group from trehalose-6-phosphate, yielding trehalose.

**Trehalose Breakdown:**

Trehalose breakdown is catalyzed by the enzyme trehalase, which hydrolyzes the glycosidic bond between the two glucose molecules, resulting in the production of two glucose molecules.

**Biological Functions of Trehalose Metabolism:**

**1. Energy Storage and Utilization:** Trehalose serves as a readily available energy source, especially during stress conditions. In insects, trehalose is the primary blood sugar and is rapidly mobilized to provide energy for flight.
**2. Stress Tolerance:** Trehalose acts as a protectant against various environmental stresses, including heat, cold, dehydration, and oxidative damage. It stabilizes proteins and membranes, preventing their denaturation and maintaining cellular integrity.
**3. Cryoprotection:** Trehalose acts as a cryoprotectant, protecting cells and tissues from freezing damage. It replaces water molecules around biomolecules, preventing the formation of ice crystals.
**4. Osmoregulation:** Trehalose plays a role in osmoregulation, helping organisms maintain water balance. It accumulates in cells during osmotic stress, drawing water inward and preventing dehydration.
**5. Signal Transduction:** Trehalose has been implicated in signal transduction pathways, modulating cellular responses to stress and developmental cues.

**Regulation of Trehalose Metabolism:**

Trehalose metabolism is tightly regulated by various factors, including hormonal signals, nutritional status, and environmental stress. The activity of TPS and TPP is modulated by phosphorylation, allosteric regulation, and gene expression.

**Conclusion:**

Trehalose metabolic process is an essential pathway that contributes to diverse biological functions, including energy storage, stress tolerance, and cryoprotection. Its regulation is crucial for maintaining cellular homeostasis and responding to environmental challenges.'
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